StreamYard vs Riverside.fm: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between StreamYard and Riverside.fm comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
StreamYard
Live streaming studio in your browser
Best for you if:
- • You need live streaming features specifically
- • StreamYard is a browser-based live streaming studio
- • It broadcasts to multiple platforms with professional production features
Riverside.fm
Record podcasts and videos remotely
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • You need video editing features specifically
- • Remote recording studio
- • 4K local recording
| At a Glance |  StreamYard |  Riverside.fm |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Live Streaming | Video Editing |
Rating | 85/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | StreamYard | Riverside.fm |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 80 |
| Categories | Live StreamingScreen Sharing | Video EditingLive Streaming |
How StreamYard and Riverside.fm Compare
StreamYard
Live streaming studio in your browser
Free tier available · 85/100 score
Riverside.fm
Record podcasts and videos remotely
Free tier available · 86/100 score
StreamYard is a live streaming tool. Riverside.fm is in video editing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: StreamYard
Want the highest-rated option?
StreamYard: 85/100. Riverside.fm: 86/100.
Go with: Riverside.fm
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Riverside.fm
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
StreamYard is a live streaming tool. Riverside.fm is in video editing. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Riverside.fm scores higher: 86/100 vs 85/100.
Key Takeaways
Riverside.fm
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 85
- More community upvotes (80)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
StreamYard
- Better fit for live streaming
The Bottom Line
Riverside.fm (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is StreamYard or Riverside.fm better?
Riverside.fm scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are StreamYard and Riverside.fm used for?
StreamYard: Live streaming studio in your browser. Riverside.fm: Record podcasts and videos remotely.
What does StreamYard cost vs Riverside.fm?
StreamYard is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Riverside.fm is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.